Insane Rides: Suzuki Hayabusa Motorcycle

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Fast, faster, fastest!

By Scott Collura

Flying cars and three-man submarines are great, as are jet-packs, monster trucks, and crazy, cutting-edge military vehicles. But many will tell you that there's nothing quite like jumping on a motorcycle and just letting loose.

And that's where the Suzuki Hayabusa comes in. Formerly known as the GSX1300R, this bike was first unleashed on the world back in 1999. It was considered the fastest production motorcycle in existence at that time, though corporate party-poopers decided in 2001 to add an electronic speed limiter to the Hayabusa and similar bikes that restricts the top speed to 186 mph. Still, have you ever driven 186 mph on a motorcycle?

If you have, then you know that it's insane. An Insane Ride, one might say&#Array;

Under the Hood: Hayabusa is the Japanese expression for the Peregrine Falcon, which is perhaps the fastest bird in the air. Though the self-imposed speed limit that motorcycle manufacturers currently adhere to makes the question of the "fastest" motorcycle a moot point, the Hayabusa remains a powerful machine. Facing increased competition from Kawasaki and others recently, the 2008 model promises an improved power-to-weight ratio, which means greater acceleration, crisper handling, and sleeker aerodynamics. The engine size has been increased to 1340 cc with an increased compression ratio of 12.5:1. The 2008 model has not been performance-tested yet, but earlier models were capable of a 10.02-second 1/4 mile, 3.13-second 60-80 mph, 3.31-second 80-100 mph, and top speed of 189.6 mph to 203 mph, depending on how the rider feels about that whole electronic speed limiter thing.

Chances of Owning One: Every chance in the world! Go to the official Suzuki site and put in your order for one of these $11,999.00 bikes right now!

Next week: So you think Insane Rides is nothing but a bunch of hot air?